MORRISVILLE – At work recently, we had training on conflict resolution. After learning about the harm that unresolved conflict can have on a place of business, and going through ways of dealing with conflict rather than ignoring it, we ended with a gratitude exercise. Each person had a paper with the words, “I’m grateful for ” that was filled in with their name. We passed the papers around and took turns writing a note of gratitude or appreciation for each of our fellow co-workers. The thought behind the exercise was that it is extremely hard to complain about or be in conflict with someone while you are being grateful for them.
Expressing gratitude is not a new idea and isn’t something for just a particular time of year. It is actually something that the Bible instructs us to do. The Apostle Paul wrote about this in his letter to the church in Thessalonica. He said, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I Thessalonians 5:16-18. There are not many other times in the Bible where we get such a clear to-do list so when I read a passage like this, I pay attention and try to incorporate these practices into my life.
Giving thanks in all circumstances does not mean that you are happy about every difficult thing that is in your life, rather it is a practice of looking for the good, no matter what happens. Science has discovered that practicing thankfulness can have a profound, positive impact on your mental, emotional and physical health with potential benefits like reduced inflammation and lowered blood pressure. Like any practice, the more you do it, the easier it gets, and the more you will see the benefits in your life.
As a mother, I have noticed that when I practice giving thanks, it makes it easier for me to be more patient with my kids. Rather than be annoyed by their noise or laundry or messy rooms,
I can be grateful that I am allowed the privilege of motherhood.
I can give thanks for all the clothing they have that needs to be washed, and for the toys and books that mess up their rooms because it means we live in a place of abundance.
I can also be grateful for the time I get to spend together with my kids as I remember that all too soon, they will be grown and likely gone from my home.
Not only can this practice of being grateful help you have more peace in your job and family, but it can help in all the other areas of your life as well. When someone cuts you off on the road, you can be thankful that you have a car to drive and have time to drive safely to where you need to go. When someone at the store is rude to you, you can give thanks for all the people who do treat you with kindness and respect. When your head or your throat hurts, you can be thankful for all the days of health you normally enjoy each year.
We are in the crazy time of year where a season of gratitude collides with a season of discontent. Kids (and grown ups) make lists of all the things they want. The schedules are packed with more activities than we can possibly do. We are encouraged to think about all the things in our lives that we should resolve to change or improve in the new year. However, before we get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, let’s be intentional about entering this time of year from a position of thankfulness.
To help with Paul’s to-do list above, I encourage you to take the time to write out at least three things that you are thankful for every day from now until the new year. You can use a journal, a scrap of paper, a social media post or a gratitude app, it doesn’t matter.
What is important is that we all make a practice of expressing gratitude in all things.
What are you thankful for today?
Virginia Lapierre is a deaconess at the Lamoille Valley Grace Brethren Church, Morrisville.
